Citi CEO Says Corporate Finance Wants Tokenized Deposits, Not Stablecoins

During Citigroup’s third-quarter 2026 earnings call, CEO Jane Fraser highlighted that institutional clients are increasingly favoring tokenized bank deposits over stablecoins for corporate treasury operations. Fraser noted that tokenized deposits offer a more seamless integration with existing accounting, tax, and compliance frameworks compared to the complexities associated with stablecoins. Citi’s token services are currently operational across seven global markets, facilitating 24/7 clearing and efficient internal fund transfers. This shift underscores a broader trend where banks are leveraging blockchain technology to maintain control over corporate cash management as ERP platforms and AI automate treasury decisions. By providing programmable money within the regulated banking system, Citi aims to capture the economic value generated by the daily movement and storage of corporate funds. The bank reported that its Treasury and Trade Solutions (TTS) average deposits reached approximately $1.04 trillion, marking a 16% year-over-year increase. This development signals that the future of digital payments may be defined by compatibility with traditional financial operations rather than just transaction speed.